Deck Up for Christmas

Tinsel on your Christmas tree. Sequins on your blouse. Why not a little sparkle in your makeup? This season, holiday makeup is all about two things: jewel tones and metallics. New aqua blues, apple greens and rich purples line cosmetic store shelves next to silvers and golds. And glitter -- glitter is everywhere.

The color trend is not just for juniors. "More mature women shouldn't be afraid to play with color," says Megan Osborne, color consultant and makeup artist at Sephora at the Mall at Green Hills in Nashville, Tenn. "Browns and earth tones will tend to make you look older, so it's still fine to go with grays and soft blues, as long as they're matte."

But what if you just can't resist a little sparkle, especially for a holiday party? "I don't think any woman is too old to wear glitter on her lid as a liner," Osborne says.

Be brave. Experiment. Here are a few tips and products to try.

Too Faced Shimmer Veils Eyeshadow

($18.50, Sephora)

• Try the gold color, Firefly, if you have brown or green eyes. The silver Unicorn Tears will flatter blue or gray eyes.

• Younger women can coat the entire eyelid with this shadow. For extra glamour and staying power, use any complementary color as a base first.

• For older women, "the best way to wear them is as a liner on the lash line," Osborne says. "It brings a pop. It's noticeable and it's pretty."

Lorac Multi-Platinum Palette

($37, Sephora)

• If you'd rather leave the shine to your accessories, pick up this stylish palette of six shadows and a blush.

• "I love that palette. It's very transitional from day to night," Osborne says. "Use the neutral colors during the day, and add the liners at night. Use the blue or black as liners or as crease colors."

L'Oreal Hip Color Truth Cream Eyeliner

($11.99, CVS)

• This intense cream eyeliner comes in several colors, including Midnight Blue, Teal and Eggplant, and has a professional brush for application.

• Use a thin line for daytime, then double the thickness at night. Cream eyeliners "are smudge-able and have staying power," Osborne says.

• For an extra-smoky eye at night, Osborne suggests applying cream eyeliner all over the lid, then smudging with your finger.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Big & Healthy Lip Polish

($28, Sephora)

• A gift set of four sparkling plumpers will make your lips tingle and glow.

• Wear the gloss alone or layer it over lipstick. "My favorite one is Starr," Osborne says. "It's a berry color with a beautiful gold shimmer on top."

• Bonus: These glosses smell like baked goods. "Not all lip plumpers are sweet," Osborne says. "Women love the cake scent."

0 comments:

Expert Beauty Tips